This extraordinary rifle has a belted barrel and originates from the late 19th century is marked "F. SHARP" on the lock plate just beneath the barrel and "F. SHARP.ARUNDEL" on the top of the barrel between the breech and rear sight. The silver Escutcheon plate has a coat of arms of a bird with open wings perched on a shield with three popinjays diagonally and a crescent moon in the top right corner. The banner reads "LETCVRZON HOLDEWHAT LVRZONHELDE". This the coat of arms and motto of the Marquess Curzon of Keddleston. It was likely manufactured in Arundel, England south of London although there is also an Arundel, Maine and both of his first and second wife were Americans. Given the presence of the crest, it is highly likely that Marquess given that he had no sons and was the first and only Marquess Curzon. He was also known by the title Marquess Curzon of Keddleston and was a conservative British statesman in the late 19th century and early 20th century serving in many notable roles included as Viceroy of India, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and as Leader of the House of Lords. As with many English nobles, Curzon enjoyed hunting as is evident given several photographs of him with hunted tigers. This hunting rifle has a Damascus two stage octagon barrel with a blade front and notch rear sight with two folding leaves. The lock and other metal fitting have scroll engraving and most are casehardened. It is equipped with double set triggers. The half-stock has fine detailed engraving with a wolf-like face at the forend, a hog like face below the wrist, a squirrel with a nut for a trigger guard (made out of solid ebony!), and a raised relief carved wooded scene with a boar on the left side behind the cheek rest. There is a sliding fluted patch box on the right side of the butt which also has a contrasting ebony buttplate. Also includes a dark stained ramrod with round brass tip. It comes in a luggage style case with blue velvet fitted interior containing the rifle, a powder flask with hunting themed relief, two piece wrench, tin of percussion caps, and a round wooden container.

Excellent. The barrel retains 98% of the brown Damascus pattern with light high edge wear, some minor scuffs, and scratches. 90% of the vivid original case colors are present on the bolster and breech of the barrel along with the lock, tangs, and side plate. The escutcheons and inscription plate have a dark gray patina while the plates on the butt have a silver patina. The stock is extremely fine with scattered light scratches, some minor dings, and stress lines in the trigger guard from the squirrel's mouth through the front legs and through the wrist starting just before the comb. A sling swivel stud is absent behind the boar face on the bottom of the butt. Mechanically excellent with crisp markings and clear engraving. The case is in good condition with some wear from use, and the accessories are in fine condition overall.